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Thailand Live Sunday 13 Nov 2011


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Thailand Live Sunday 13 November 2011

News, Bits and Tweets

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Keep up to date with live updates from the news, hour by hour.

For breaking news,national, regional and international news updates on a daily basis only, this thread is closed to commentary so that those who wish to follow the news can find it here...

Commentary is still open for Thailand news in the relevant thread posted in News Clippings.

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Related topic: Thailand Live Saturday 12 Nov 2011

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Heavy rain due in South

The Nation on Sunday

The National Disaster Warning Centre yesterday issued a warning for people living in risky areas in five southern provinces to prepare for heavy rainfall, flash floods and landslides yesterday and today.

Heavy downpours were forecast for Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Patthalung and Songkhla, the centre said. Flash floods or landslide might occur hence officials should prepare to assist residents in risky areas.

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-- The Nation 2011-11-13

Posted

Vocational training

The Nation on Sunday

The secretary-general of the non-formal education promotion office said yesterday the Education Ministry had allocated Bt490 million to provide vocational training for people affected by the flooding.

Prasert Bunruang also revealed a plan to propose Bt2.8 billion as an annual budget to provide vocational training at communities and tambons in some 30 provinces hit by flood disaster. He said people who do the training would also be given Bt5,000 seed money to buy materials or tools. After the flood subsides, the office will also dispatch 77 teams of volunteers with 77 water pumps in 77 vans to help clean flood-damaged homes, schools or temples free-of-charge, he said.

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-- The Nation 2011-11-13

Posted

Volunteers 'needed'

Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation on Sunday

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Despite the decreasing flood-water in some areas, volunteers are still needed to help with relief and recovery efforts in many provinces, including Bangkok, red-shirt volunteer leader Sombat Boon-ngam-anong said.

Sombat, who is also president of the Thai Mirror Foundation and operates the largest red-shirt volunteer effort at the National Stadium, said both Thais and foreign volunteers as well as donations are still welcome. Particularly needed are people who can also engage in some coordination work.

Sombat suggested that people who are not affected by the floods could use part of their annual leave or take leave for a week to help with the volunteer efforts organised by various groups.

Despite being leader of the Red Sunday Group of the red shirts, Sombat said he was not wearing his red shirt hat and shrugged off the political feud weeks ago.

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-- The Nation 2011-11-13

"I understand the nature of politicians," he said, referring to the on-going blame game.

"The government says they have done their best while the opposition seeks to bring down the government. That being the case, they won't stop. But I just want to get things done first."

Those who want to work as volunteers with Sombat can contact the foundation at 090-418-0525 to 29 or donate goods at the National Stadium.

Posted

Petition over barrier not a political stunt: Karun

The Nation on Sunday

The Pheu Thai Party MP for Bangkok's Don Muang district yesterday denied politics was behind a petition by local residents against the city administration's "Big Bag" giant sandbag floodwall.

Karun Hosakul yesterday met Pracha Promnok, who heads the National Flood Relief Operation Centre (FROC), at its headquarters. The MP said later that people were upset that the floodwall increased water levels on their side of the barrier. He insisted their complaint was not incited by any politician.

Pracha said he had not obtained any petition from Don Muang residents. He also said the flooded Highways 9 and 340 should be restored later yesterday - as an alternative to Rama II to the South.

However, Highways Department chief Wanchai Paklak said later the restoration of Highway 340 (Bang Bua Thong-Suphan Buri) would take one to two days to complete.

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-- The Nation 2011-11-13

Posted

Vaccines for pet bites

The Nation on Sunday

Public Health Minister Witthaya Buranasiri yesterday warned volunteers taking care of flood-affected pets or stray animals to be careful not to get bitten or scratched and to immediately get a rabies vaccination if bitten.

He also urged volunteers to get vaccines as a precaution at the Bumratnaradu Institute and the Red Cross Society's Saowapa in Bangkok or at any state hospital upcountry. From January 1 to August 8 there were four deaths from rabies in Thailand, he said.

Witthaya said that 14 medical teams were sent to treat flood victims in Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Lop Buri and Bangkok's Sai Mai, Don Muang, Bang Phlad, Phasee Charoen, Taling Chan, Bangkok Noi, Nong Khaem and Bang Khae. He also reported that the ministry's mobile medical teams had treated 1,678,824 flood-affected people in 37 provinces so far and sent 2.4 million sets of medicines to assist them.

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-- The Nation 2011-11-13

Posted

EM balls

The Nation on Sunday

SCG (Thailand) Co Ltd invited people with volunteer spirit to make one million EM balls to assist residents still affected by flooding and polluted flood water.

SCG Chemicals executive Charoenchai Prathuangsuksi said yesterday employees and volunteers gathered in Rayong to make EM balls at the Royal Project Learning Centre in Tambon Song Saleung of Rayong's Klaeng district.

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-- The Nation 2011-11-13

Posted

Courts closed this week

The Nation on Sunday

Due to the flooding, Supreme Court President Montri Yodpanya has issued another order for holiday closures from November 14-18. It covers court offices in Bangkok's Thon Buri area, the Court of Appeal Region IX, the Courts of Justice, the Office of the Chief Justice of Region 1, the Ratchadapisek Court, the Court of justice at the Government Complex on Chaeng Wattana Road, Taling Chan Court, Min Buri Court, and the Dusit Court. All courts in Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani would also be closed.

The Ratchadapisek Civil Court also postponed trials till November 19, pending new date to be given later on.

Meanwhile, the Chao Phraya Express boat services, which have been suspended due to flooding for one month now, are likely to resume on November 21

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-- The Nation 2011-11-13

Posted

Fees cut for students

The Nation on Sunday

Rangsit University (RSU) yesterday announced remedial measures for flood-affected students, including a 50 per cent discount on tuition fees for those who register for this second semester and a cancellation of fines imposed on late course registration.

Students were urged to take a picture of their flooded homes and submit it along with other required documents, and provide details later. RSU would help find part-time work with the university; people interested could contact the Student Affairs Office.

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-- The Nation 2011-11-13

Posted

MWA warns of water-bill scam

THE NATION ON SUNDAY

The Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (MWA) yesterday warned people not to fall victim to impostors claiming over the telephone to be officials requesting that water-bill payments be deposited into a special bank account.

The agency said it had postponed water-bill payments with due dates from October onwards, and would not cut tap-water services for non-payment until the flood crisis had ended.

The MWA said the city's tap water is safe but made the following suggestions regarding its use during the flooding crisis:

1. Flooded homes with underground water tanks should switch to using tap water as flood water could contaminate the tanks.

2. Do not use water pumps whose pipes are submerged, as breaks would go undetected, causing the pump to suck dirt into the system.

3. Submerged taps can be used by running a clean plastic hose from the tap and lifting the hose clear of the flood water.

4. Because extra chlorine has been added as a disinfectant, tap water should be left in an open container for 30 minutes to let the chlorine smell dissipate. Otherwise, boil tap water before drinking it.

5. In case of evacuation, turn off the water valve in the water meter to prevent leakage. Call the 1125 hotline for more information around the clock.

The Metropolitan Electricity Authority yesterday urged people not to use electrical appliances while standing in floodwater, adding that residents of flooded homes should call the MEA and ask that the power be cut as a precaution. The MEA call centre's number is 1130 (free of charge for people using AIS cell phones).

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-- The Nation 2011-11-13

Posted

Temperature expected to drop by 1-2 °C in the North, the Northeast, the Central and the East, due to active high pressure from China./TAN_Network

Dear commuters, please note that the exemption of tollway fee, originally expire on Nov 14, has been extended to Nov 20./TAN_Network

Posted

Flooding Situation in Thailand: Latest Updates (13/11/2011)

The flooding situation in Thailand is mainly affecting a few provinces along the Chao Phraya River just north of, and including, Bangkok. Visitors to Thailand will find most of the country was not affected by the flood.

Provinces in the north not affected by the floods:

Chiang Mai

Phayao

Chiang Rai

Phetchabun

Kampheang Phet

Phrae

Lampang

Sukhothai

Lamphun

Tak

Mae Hong Son

Uttaradit

Nan

The flooding has subsided in northern provinces including Nakhon Sawan, Phichit, Phitsanulok, and Uthai Thani and cleanup operations are underway.

Provinces in the northeast not affected by the floods:

Amnat Charoen

Nong Khai

Buengkan

Roi Et

Buriram

Sakon Nakhon

Chaiyaphum

Si Sa Ket

Loei

Surin

Mukdahan

Ubon Ratchathani

Nakhon Phanom

Udon Thani

Nakhon Ratchasima

Yasothon

Nong Bua Lam Phu

The flooding has subsided in northeastern provinces including Kalasin, Khon Kaen, and Maha Sarakham and cleanup operations are underway.

Provinces in the central area not affected by the floods:

Chanthaburi

Ratchaburi

Chachoengsao

Rayong

Chon Buri (Pattaya)

Samut Prakan

Kanchanaburi

Samut Songkhram

Phetchaburi (Cha Am)

Sa Kaeo

Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin)

Trat (Ko Chang)

The flooding has subsided in central provinces including Ang Thong and Chai Nat and cleanup operations are underway. Flood waters have also subsided in most areas of the island of Ayutthaya. Tourist attractions in Ayutthaya including the World Heritage Site will reopen once they have been restored.

No provinces in the south were affected by the flood:

Chumphon

Phuket

Krabi

Ranong

Nakhon Si Thammarat

Songkhla (Hat Yai)

Narathiwat

Satun

Pattani

Surat Thani (Ko Samui)

Phang Nga

Trang

Phatthalung

Yala

Manufacturers and distributors have re-established stable supply lines for consumer products. Local brands of bottled water and beer are available in most locations, as are imported brands of bottled water and beer.

Highway 35, a major road to the south also known as Rama II Road, still remains open. If this route is closed due to flooding, the Transport Ministry has prepared alternate routes between Bangkok and provinces in southern Thailand. They will ensure continued access to destinations such as Hua Hin, Cha-Am and Chumphon, as well as places in the western area of the central provinces such as Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi.

Situation in Bangkok

Areas flooded in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area include suburbs in the east and west, the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, and districts in the northern part of the city.

In central Bangkok, businesses, hotels, shops and tourist attractions remain open as per normal in areas including:

Khao San Road

Ratchaprasong (Central World area)

Phetchaburi Road

Sathorn

Ploenchit/ Chidlom

Siam Square/ MBK/ Siam Paragon

Pratunam

Silom/ Surawongse

Rama I Road

Sukhumvit Road/ The Emporium

Rama IV Road

Yaowarat (Chinatown)

Given the changing nature of the flooding situation in Bangkok, visitors should check multiple sources of information to make an informed decision about whether they should visit central Bangkok at the present time.

The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are operating normally. Some MRT stations have closed certain entrances as a precaution. Visitors are advised to check with the BTS and MRT regarding the current status of their operations. Taxis and tuk tuks are available although the number in service is reduced. Many BMTA bus routes have been rerouted or suspended due to the flooding. Express boat services on the Chao Phraya River have also been suspended, as have most water-related tourist activities.

Transportation

Airports:

Suvarnabhumi Airport, the main international gateway to Thailand, remains open. It has considerable flood protection measures in place. Suvarnabhumi Airport is the main connector for international arrivals to domestic flights serving tourist destinations throughout Thailand such as Phuket, Chiang Mai and Surat Thani. Domestic flights are operating as per normal between Suvarnabhumi Airport and other airports in Thailand.

Transportation to and from the airport into central Bangkok including taxis, buses and the Airport Rail Link have not been affected by the floods and are operating normally. Highways from the airport to tourist destinations southeast of Bangkok such as Pattaya, Rayong and Ko Chang are open.

Don Mueang Airport, the old international airport, still remains closed due to flooding. The two domestic airlines based at Don Mueang continue operating from Suvarnabhumi Airport.

A “Tourist Assistance Center” on the 3rd floor of Airport Rail Link’s Makkasan Station is facilitating tourists’ transport from hotels in central Bangkok to the airport. Tourists who would like to use this service can contact the Tourist Assistance Center via the TAT Call Center at 1672, or the Tourist Police at 1155.

State Railway of Thailand and inter-provincial bus services:

State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and inter-provincial bus services are operating as per usual in areas that are not affected by the floods. In Bangkok and other areas affected by the floods, the SRT and inter-provincial bus service operators are adjusting their routes to best serve passengers given the disruptions caused by the flooding. Inter-provincial buses from Bangkok to southern provinces are leaving from a temporary station at the car park of the Holland Beer House on Rama II Road in the southwest part of Bangkok.

Train services to northeastern Thailand are operating as per normal. Train services to the northern provinces are operating between Hua Lamphong Station in central Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Trains to the north are being rerouted around flooded areas, adding approximately two hours of travel time. Train services to the southern provinces are operating mainly from Nakhon Pathom due to flooding in Bangkok’s western suburbs. The SRT is providing shuttle bus services between Hua Lamphong Station and Nakhon Pathom. Travelers are advised to check in advance with these operators and may want to consider flying to their destinations within Thailand.

Information sources

TAT’s official web site for flood information

English-language sources

The Government Public Relations Department

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)

Thailand Meteorological Department

Thai- language sources

Flood Relief Operations Center

BMA Flood Control Center

Airports of Thailand

State Railway of Thailand

English-language newspapers offering continuous updates on the flooding situation

Bangkok Post

The Nation

Useful contact numbers:

TAT Call Center: 1672

Thai Airways: +66 (0) 2356 1111

Bangkok Airways: +66 (0) 2265 8777

AirAsia: +66 (0) 2515 9999

Nok Air: 1318 or +66 (0) 2900 9955

Orient Thai Airlines: 1126

State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Call Center: 1690

Transport Co.,Ltd. Hotline: (Inter-provincial bus service) 1490

Source: Tourism Authorithy of Thailand (TAT), as of 12 November 2011

Foreign Office, The Government Public Relations Department

Posted

Soft Loans to Be Offered to Industrial Estates for Flood Protection (12/11/2011)

The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand and developers of industrial estates and industrial parks will be offered soft loans of up to 15 billion baht to develop their flood protection systems.

The 15-billion-baht credit line was approved at the first joint meeting of the Flood Recovery and Restoration Committee and the Flood Recovery Restoration Committee on Economy, Industry, and Livelihood. The meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Police General Kowit Wattana, took place on November 11 at Government House.

The loans, with an annual interest rate of only 0.01 percent and a repayment period of seven years, will be extended by the Government Savings Bank. At the same time, the meeting endorsed four projects, worth 112.84 million baht, for the establishment of evacuation centers for the industrial sector, safety and environmental management in flooded workplaces, the testing of the water and soil quality and contaminated substances in flood-hit areas, and water drainage from industrial estates. The meeting also agreed to seek additional compensation budget from the Cabinet to assist flood-hit residents. Each affected family will receive a flat compensation rate of 5,000 baht.

In the face of possible flooding on Rama II Road, the main route from Bangkok to southern Thailand, Thai Airways International has decided to reduce its fares by 47-58 percent for tickets from the capital to five southern destinations, namely Surat Thani, Krabi, Phuket, Hat Yai, and Samui Island. The special offer will be available from 11 November to 10 December 2011. For more information, please call the THAI Contact Center, tel.: 02-356-1111.

A report from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, would pay a working visit to Thailand on November 16-17. The visit will provide an opportunity for the Secretary-General to learn first-hand how the flood crisis in Thailand is extensively affecting the lives and property of the Thai people. Cooperation between the United Nations agencies and Thai authorities in assisting flood-affected areas will be among issues of discussion.

In his remarks at the Asia-Pacific Business Symposium, organized by the East-West Center on November 10 in Hawaii, Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul expressed his appreciation to all the countries that had extended support and assistance to Thailand, which was facing the worst flooding in its living memory. He told the symposium that the Thai government had recently approved a Relief and Recovery Plan and Package, including immediate relief measures to flood victims, social rehabilitation activities, post-crisis loans and incentives, and a long-term plan to develop a comprehensive water resources management system to prevent the recurrence of such devastation.

He stressed that the Government’s determination to assist investors, both Thai and foreign, in flood-hit areas to resume operations as soon as possible. Measures would also be put in place to accelerate the post-crisis reconstruction of industrial estates and logistics system.

Foreign Office, The Government Public Relations Department

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